The 2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games (EAG) concluded last Saturday. On the last day of the games, Chinese Taipei won the gold medal in the men’s 400-meter relay competition with a time of 39:31, adding an eighth gold medal to its scoreboard.

Last Friday, Chinese Taipei’s dream to keep the basketball championship was shattered as its men’s team lost to South Korea 97:98. In addition, Chinese Taipei women’s basketball team also lost in the finals, 58:83, to Mainland China. Last year, Chinese Taipei came in second place in women’s basketball, as well.

The EAG was the biggest sporting event that Hong Kong has ever held. A total of 2,377 athletes from 9 counties or regions gathered in Hong Kong to compete for 262 gold medals. During the 9-day competition from December 5 to 13, Chinese Taipei won 8 gold medals, 34 silver, and 47 bronze, ranking 5th in total medals received out of the 9 participating countries or regions. Last year, Chinese Taipei ranked 4th.